Well, it's already January and I haven't come up with my New Year’s resolutions for 2010. Oh, don’t misunderstand me, I have plenty that I can work on: to be a better person, or to finally meet the high expectations that I've set for myself.
I feel as if I should have already gotten it right by now... Weren’t there a bunch of goals for 2010? Oh yeah --> Healthy People 2010.
Healthy People 2010
So, have we reached any of those health goals as a nation? According to the progress reported on nutrition and overweight, we are far from reaching our target goals. For example, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is getting worse; there has been little or no progress in fruit, vegetable, or whole grain product consumption; little or no progress in sodium (part of salt) intake; and a glimmer with calcium (lots found in dairy foods) intake improving. The report shows that the weight status and diets of Americans continue to remain an important public health and economic concern.
Get involved
You might be asking, what can I do about this? Can I contribute to my own health and diet and help the nation reach its health goals at the same time? The answer is yes, of course you can. The real question is, will you? What will it take?
Maybe you are in a new phase of life as an empty nester? I am. My three lovely daughters have left the nest, one is a college graduate living and working in New York City. The other two are in college in Boston. While I am still a mom and a wife and work full time -- it seems as if I have all kinds of time on my hands. What to do with that time? Shall I become a foodie or a weekend warrior athlete? And should I drag my husband along for the ride?
Make 2010 a year of healthier choices
When I googled New Year’s resolutions 2010, it came up with 17,300,000 sites. Apparently, there are plenty to choose from and everyone is doing it! Okay, here goes, yes, I can definitely lose weight and feel better. I will eat more fruits and vegetables every day by reaching for them instead of chocolate. I will be physically active at least 5 days a week and invite my husband to join me.
There, I feel better already. Have a wonderful new year that is healthy, happy and safe!
What will you do in 2010 to make healthier choices?
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5 Rules to Eating So You Can Forget That Diet
Nicki Hicks
Guiding Stars Contributor
Nicki is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast with a passion for all things healthy and organic. A web marketing specialist and search geek at flyte new media by day, Nicki works to increase her clients' search engine visibility. By night, you might find Nicki coaching, practicing yoga, or pretending to be an artist. Nicki regularly contributes to the Guiding Stars blog.
Other posts by Nicki Hicks
Let's face it - weight loss happens when we have self control and discipline. Usually, that combination means a diet. Not necessarily. Here are 5 tricks so that you can eat what you want...in moderation, that is.
1. Ask yourself if you're hungry. Often we're tired, bored, or even thirsty when we shovel food in our mouths. So just ask yourself: am I really hungry?
2. Don't eat after 7. You've probably heard this one before and, while the act of eating won't cause you to gain unnecessary weight, it's simply that by the time morning comes, you won't be as hungry for breakfast. In short, eating after 7 or 8 at night gets your metabolism and eating schedule out of whack.
3. Watch your portions. This is the most important rule. It's no secret that Americans are an incredibly overweight population and it's no wonder why - the portions you get eating out could more often than not feed you for an entire day, let alone one meal. One of my favorite tricks is – put what you’re eating on a plate or in a bowl – don’t eat directly out of the pan/dish/bag. If you’re still hungry, go for seconds; but chances are you won’t be.
4. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Not only are they good for you, but they'll fill you up, so you eat less of the more hearty food in your diet.
5. Snack, snack, snack! Technically, it's better to eat about every three hours than three big meals. So instead of binging three times a day, be sure to grab a little something (a piece of fruit perhaps? ;)), so you don't have to engorge yourself later.
What's one of your rules for staying away from the newest fad diet? Read more »